January 24, 2006

Driver's Seat

Prime Minister-elect Stephen Harper pledged to carry out his campaign promises quickly to cut taxes, get tough on crime and repair strained ties with Washington after his Conservative Party won national elections in Canada.

That may be easier said than done. The Conservatives' winning margin was too narrow to rule with a majority, a situation that will make it hard for them to get legislation through the divided House of Commons.

Monday's vote showed that Canadians are weary of the Liberal Party's broken promises and corruption scandals. They were willing to give Harper a chance to govern despite concerns that some of his social views are extreme.